2013 Roadtrek RS air conditioning problem
I have a 2013 Roadtrek RS on the MB Sprinter with a 11,000 BTU Dometic Penquin air conditioner. The AC does not seem to be sufficent to cool the van. When it is over 90 out, I can only get the temp ...
Forum Discussion
Our solution to the problem you describe is a combination of several things.
We have an '08 PW Lexor - so a Chevrolet chassis.
First, if it's HOT outside, whenever I can, I park in the shade - even if it means a bit of a walk.
Second, while our "dash" A/C will carry the load while we're driving - we do know that the rear is not as comfortable as the front - but, we travel in the two front seats.
So, before we arrive at our destination, we pull over, start the genset and turn on the roof A/C - so now two A/Cs are running. It gives the roof A/C a bit of a "head start" on the "house".
Third, and I'll admit that I "pinched" this idea from another forum poster - MyRoadtrek - though I made my own modifications to his suggestion.
I went to Lowes (Home Depot didn't have it then, but does now) and bought a roll of Reflectix. It's a bubble wrap with an aluminized foil on both sides.
Next, I cut out pieces for the inside of every window - every one.
That wasn't enough when it got to be 95 plus or so. So, I cut out some more pieces to cover the outside of every window.
The inside pieces simply "fit" in the opening and they do stay put. the outside ones are "temporarily" attached with some "blue painters tape", but we only use them when we're parked.
When both are installed, it's cool as a cucumber inside.
I think the secret is keeping the glass cool.
When it's hot as the dickens and we're driving, we leave all the "inside" ones installed, removing only the driver and passenger windows and the windshield.
Yes, it's a bit dark inside, but, it's comfy.
When we're at a campsite, and it's hot as the dickens, I install only the ones on the "sun side", so we do have some light.
DW thought I was nuts when I made 'em. Can't leave home without 'em now - if it's gonna be HOT.
Sadly, MyRoadtrek's website is now history. He had some great photos of his solution. He lives in Tucson, AZ, so I know he understands HOT.
Cheers.
We have an '08 PW Lexor - so a Chevrolet chassis.
First, if it's HOT outside, whenever I can, I park in the shade - even if it means a bit of a walk.
Second, while our "dash" A/C will carry the load while we're driving - we do know that the rear is not as comfortable as the front - but, we travel in the two front seats.
So, before we arrive at our destination, we pull over, start the genset and turn on the roof A/C - so now two A/Cs are running. It gives the roof A/C a bit of a "head start" on the "house".
Third, and I'll admit that I "pinched" this idea from another forum poster - MyRoadtrek - though I made my own modifications to his suggestion.
I went to Lowes (Home Depot didn't have it then, but does now) and bought a roll of Reflectix. It's a bubble wrap with an aluminized foil on both sides.
Next, I cut out pieces for the inside of every window - every one.
That wasn't enough when it got to be 95 plus or so. So, I cut out some more pieces to cover the outside of every window.
The inside pieces simply "fit" in the opening and they do stay put. the outside ones are "temporarily" attached with some "blue painters tape", but we only use them when we're parked.
When both are installed, it's cool as a cucumber inside.
I think the secret is keeping the glass cool.
When it's hot as the dickens and we're driving, we leave all the "inside" ones installed, removing only the driver and passenger windows and the windshield.
Yes, it's a bit dark inside, but, it's comfy.
When we're at a campsite, and it's hot as the dickens, I install only the ones on the "sun side", so we do have some light.
DW thought I was nuts when I made 'em. Can't leave home without 'em now - if it's gonna be HOT.
Sadly, MyRoadtrek's website is now history. He had some great photos of his solution. He lives in Tucson, AZ, so I know he understands HOT.
Cheers.
